If Driver CPC focuses on competence, could we not simply raise the standard of the present driving license acquisition test?

Who will Driver CPC affect?

Does it affect me?

New Drivers

Existing Drivers

Both New and Existing Drivers

Acquired Rights / Grandfather Rights

Who is exempt?

Can I work as a driver without a Driver CPC?

License Types affected

What will the Initial Qualification involve?

Theory Test

Practical Test

Costs

*General Initial Qualification Questions

What will Periodic Training involve?

Are there any tests to take for Periodic Training?

Can the training be carried out flexibly - over several weeks/months/years?

Can drivers do the same courses each year?

Who will be responsible for creating courses for periodic training?

How will periodic training be quality assured?

Who governs the JAUPT?

Will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?

If I have both PCV and LGV licenses, do I have to do 2 lots of 35 hours every 5 years?

Within the definition of the Working Time Directive, does course attendance for Periodic Training count as work?

How will periodic training be recorded?

How will Driver CPC status be evidenced?

When do drivers get issued with their DQC's?

Will it be an offence for someone to drive without a DQC?

How will Driver CPC be enforced?

The driver Certificate of Professional competence (CPC) will be a requirement for PCV and LGV drivers who drive professionally throughout the UK. It is being developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/59/EC, which is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional PCV and LGV drivers throughout their working lives.

To improve the knowledge and skills of lorry, bus and coach drivers - helping:

Improve perception of Professional Driver (Skill levels and maintenance, career opportunities, professionalism)

The environment (Reduced fuel consumption and vehicle wear)

Driver CPC is intended to raise the professional standard of all professional drivers by improving the skills and knowledge they need to carry out their day to day work, it is not just about practical driving skills.

CPC legislation frequently asked questions

What is the Driver CPC?

Why the Change?

If Driver CPC focuses on competence, could we not simply raise the standard of the present driving license acquisition test?

All professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes, buses, coaches and minibuses unless they qualify for an exemption.

Who will Driver CPC affect?

Will have to obtain an initial qualification in addition to their license to drive professionally.

Existing Drivers who already hold a vocational license on

10th September 2008 (PCV) or

10th September 2009 (LGV)

Are exempt from the initial qualification. This is known as 'acquired rights'

Does it affect me?

Must complete a total of 35 hours periodic training within 5 years following their 'acquired rights' or initial qualification to keep their Driver CPC valid.

This is only a requirement if the driver is using their license professionally.

Both New and Existing Drivers

Acquired / Grandfather Rights

If you obtained a full PCV license before 10th September 2008 or full LGV license before 10th September 2009, you will have 'acquired rights' and will not have to undertake the 'Initial Qualification Driver CPC'

Who is exempt?

Anybody driving the following:

Vehicles with a maximum speed not exceeding 45kph

Vehicles used by the armed forces, civil defence and emergency services

(Modules 1A + 1B are taken at the same time and will take up to 2.5 hours)

Module 2

7 Case Studies (1.5 hours) (pass mark of 38 / 50)

This will include diagrams, pictures and graphics to which the driver will be given a scenario then asked questions

(Modules 1A, 1B and 2 can be taken at the same time)

Practical test comprises of 2 modules

Module 3

On - Road Practical testing (1.5 hours)

Module 4

Initial Driver CPC (0.5 hours)

This will include using a test vehicle with practical 'show me, tell me' questions

DSA estimates around £205 per test

(Made up of £75 for 4 hour theory + £130 for 2 hour practical)

How much does the Initial Qualification Cost?

I have a PCV license with a CPC Initial Qualification, if I want a LGV license, do I have to do another CPC Initial Qualification?

Yes. The Initial Qualification CPC is specific to each one.

What will Periodic Training involve?

Periodic Training will involve attending 35 hours of training every 5 years. Training providers have 3.5* hours or 7 hour courses to be attended over the 5 years.

*2 of the 3.5 hour courses must be completed within 24 hours.

Are there any tests to take for periodic training?

No there are no tests as it's not a pass or fail course. It is recorded as hours of attendance.

Can the 35 hours training be carried out flexibly - over several weeks / months / years?

Yes. The driver has flexibility as to how the training is taken over the 5 year period.

For example:

One day (7 hours) training every year

Two days training in the year 1 then 3 days training in year 5

5 days training in one year

Theoretically, yes. However, employers and drivers will be seeking value for money and repetition of the same courses will not be beneficial.

Can drivers do the same courses each year?

Who will be responsible for creating courses for periodic training?

It will be the responsibility of the training providers to deliver courses that comply with the regulations and meet employer's needs.

How will periodic training be quality assured?

This will be managed primarily through the auditing process of the Joint Approval Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) together with feedback from employers and employees. The JAUPT quality assurance process will include the review of course evaluation forms.

Who governs JAUPT?

The JAUPT is governed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Driver Vehicles Testing Agency. If is managed by two Sector Skills Councils (SSC's) 'Skills for Logistics' (LGV)

Will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?

Yes. Driver CPC applies across all EU Member States therefore all of those drivers will be required to qualify and hold a Driver CPC in exactly the same way as UK drivers.

No. The Directive states that the holder of a vocational license for PCV / LGV need only complete 35 hours course attendance in a 5 year period.

If a driver uses both PCV and LGV licenses professionally, do they need to do two lots of 35 hours Periodic training every 5 years?

The Working Time Directive states that if a driver is paid by their employer whilst attending training, then the hours would count as working time. Therefore if the driver is being paid whilst attending periodic training, it would be counted as work.

Within the definition of the Working Time Directive, does course attendance for periodic training count as work?

How will periodic training be recorded?

There is a central database at the DSA that will be updated by the training provider

How will Driver CPC legislation status be evidenced?

Drivers will be issued a separate Driver Qualification Card (DQC) which will have to be carried at all times when driving professionally.

When do drivers get issued with their DQC's?

When they have obtained their Initial Qualification or their 35 hours of periodic training.

Will it be an offence for someone to drive without a DQC?

Yes. There will be penalties for someone driving without their DQC. Allowances will be made for lost or stolen DQC's similar to the rules that are currently in force for lost or stolen digital Tachograph cards.

How will Driver CPC be enforced?

It will be enforced in a similar way to the enforcement of holding a driving license. The Police or VOSA will be able to ask for proof that a driver has CPC stats and issue appropriate penalties if the driver cannot prove this.

If you have a question about CPC legislation that we have not answered please send us an email at info@nationwidetransporttraining.co.uk and we will endeavour to find an answer and reply to you.

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